Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Chakra-Inspired Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Laura Negulescu, Radu Negulescu, Matei Stoian
Chakra-Inspired Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and charred shingles, this meditation retreat integrates chakra principles into its architectural design, creating a harmonious environment for spiritual growth and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for both durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that complements the surrounding landscape.
04
Each space within the retreat is aligned with specific chakra principles.
05
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems to promote environmental sustainability.

## Analytical Report: Stone Barn Meditation Camp

### Project Overview

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is situated in a tranquil natural environment, designed to support practices of inner peace and reflection. The project draws on the concept of the seven chakras, which represent various facets of human energy and well-being. Each element of the design is intended to create an environment that fosters both individual introspection and community connection, establishing a balance between the physical space and the spiritual philosophy that underpins it.

### Spatial Organization and Conceptual Framework

The layout of the meditation camp is structured around the alignment of the seven chakras, with each designated area representing a specific energy center:

- **Welcome Area**: Designed to provide stability and grounding, this entry point facilitates a smooth transition into the meditative spaces.

- **Water Esplanade**: Promoting creativity and emotional balance, this area offers a physical connection to water, enhancing relaxation.

- **Sun House**: Featuring solar panels, this space cultivates energy and vitality while emphasizing sustainable practices through abundant daylight.

- **Main Building**: Serving as a hub for community interaction, its design encourages gatherings and shared experiences, integral to emotional healing.

- **Covered Terrace & Sauna**: This intimate space fosters communication and expression, supporting the articulation of thoughts and feelings.

- **Willow Meditation Pavilion & Silence Chamber**: Designed for introspection and heightened awareness, this area leverages spatial geometry to create an atmosphere of quietude.

- **Pure Nature**: This section fosters a direct connection with the environment, facilitating spiritual realization and a sense of unity.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

Material choices for the Stone Barn Meditation Camp have been purposefully selected to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include:

- **Wood**: Employed in roofing and structural elements to create an organic link to the surroundings.
- **Glass**: Utilized extensively to maximize natural light and blur boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, essential for a meditative atmosphere.
- **Stone**: Incorporated in foundational and interior aesthetics, stone represents durability and stability, reinforcing a sense of groundedness.
- **Environmental Technologies**: Implementation of systems for solar energy collection, rainwater harvesting, and geothermal heating showcases the project's commitment to sustainability, reducing its ecological footprint while enhancing user experience.

The architectural design features a master plan that allows for a natural flow of spaces, promoting exploration and discovery. Elevations and floor plans illustrate the careful consideration of user interaction, balancing private areas for meditation with communal spaces for engagement.

Environmental sustainability principles are integrated throughout, optimizing energy efficiency and aligning the facility with its natural context. The project illustrates how intentional architectural design can harmonize human experiences with the broader ecosystem.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy